Education, Culture, and Society: A Study of Friluftsliv
Tentative Spring Break 2027 Dates: February 26 - March 6, 2027
Program Location
Trondheim, Norway
Program Highlights
- Friluftsliv in Practice — Experience Norway’s “open-air living” philosophy through an immersive, activity-based study of culture, education, and wellbeing.
- Study in Trondheim — Explore a Norwegian city where nature, urban design, and daily life are deeply interconnected.
- Foundations of Norwegian Culture & Education — Prepare through pre-departure sessions on Norwegian society and education systems.
- Outdoor Experiential Learning — Engage in hiking, skiing, and nature-based activities that reflect how friluftsliv is taught through physical education.
- Friluftsliv in Schools — Examine how outdoor life is embedded in Norway’s national curriculum through visits to elementary and secondary schools.
- University Engagement — Participate in lectures and discussions at Norwegian University of Science and Technology with local educators and experts.
- Nature & Urban Integration — Analyze how Trondheim’s trails, fjords, and green spaces support lifelong engagement with outdoor living.
- Cross-Cultural Perspectives — Compare Norwegian and U.S. approaches to education, health, and physical activity through readings and reflection.
Faculty Leaders
Senior Lecturer
Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program and the Environmental Studies Program
Luter Hall 149
Course Information
SOCL 314L (Education, Culture, and Society Study Abroad Lab) or SOCL 395L (Special Topics Lab)
Required prerequisites for SOCL 314L: Junior standing and prerequisites or corequisites of SOCL 314.
Required prerequsites for SOCL 395L: None.
Course Description
SOCL 395L/SOCL314L: Education, Culture, and Society Study Abroad Lab is an optional 1 credit lab taken over spring break that would allow students to experience firsthand the how the Norwegian unique cultural ethos concerning the natural world and its relationship with our health and wellness is manifest in the nation physical education curriculum of the nation of Norway. This course will be based in the city of Trondheim, with classroom space and the expertise of a local kinesiologist provided by The Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Students will directly engage in the activities associated with Norwegian national physical education standards in natural contexts in and around the city of Trondheim.
Additional Information
- Accommodations
- Ground transportation
- International health insurance
- Group activities
- Airfare
- Students are responsible for purchasing their international airfare to and from the program destination(s). Students should not purchase their flight until receiving specific instructions from the faculty leaders after December 1.
- Travel insurance
- Most meals
- Personal expenses
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Student with a valid passport:
Students who have a current passport will need to upload an image of their passport by December 1, 2026, to their enrollment forms.
Student without a Valid Passport
Apply for or renew your passport immediately. After November 1, students must pay to expedite the application process. Do not delay beginning this process.
Passport Application and Renewal
The routine processing time is currently up to 6 weeks and expedited services is up to 3 weeks. These processing times are subject to change and can lengthen significantly. We highly recommend applying for or renewing your passport as soon as possible. Most countries require at least 6 months remaining time on your passport expiration from your intended date of departure. Example: If your passport expires on December 1, 2027, you would need to renew your passport to travel in the summer of 2027.
Each country has established entry requirements and travel restrictions set for foreign visitors and their citizens. Any country can change their regulations at any time. We encourage all students and their families to review details about the country or countries you plan to travel to and to continue monitoring the information leading up to your departure.
Travel & Entry Requirements from the U.S. State DepartmentApplication & Enrollment Forms Deadline
October 31*
*Program may fill prior to deadline due to a rolling admission process.